Are you looking for the best monitor for productivity?
Maybe you work from home and want to create the perfect workspace for yourself. You’ve probably invested in an amazing laptop, an ergonomic mouse, and a comfy chair. But it’s easy to overlook the importance of your computer monitor.
A large monitor could transform your working experience. It’s the perfect tool to boost your creativity and improve your workflow. It allows you to run several windows side by side, so you don’t need to keep flicking back and forth. So, it’s ideal for photo and video editing, design, illustration, and even regular admin.
There are loads of different monitors around, and it’s a big investment to make. Narrowing down the options can be confusing, time-consuming, and a bit boring. So, here’s my guide to the best monitors on the market right now.
As a graphic designer and digital artist, I know how important it is to have the best monitor possible. So, I’ve put in the legwork and hunted out the best monitors to meet your needs.
Keep reading for a buying guide and reviews to help you choose the best monitor!
Buying Guide to the Best Monitor
Here’s what you need to know before buying a monitor! Keep these factors in mind when shopping around, and you’re sure to find the right monitor for you.
Screen Size
The first thing to think about is what size of monitor you need. That will depend on how much space you have available. There’s no point investing in a monitor that won’t fit on your desk!
Monitors come in all sizes, so it’s easy to find one that will suit your needs. Regular monitors often range from around 22-24 inches. But you’ll find monitors anywhere from 27-34 inches (and some even larger).
If you’re tight in space, a 27-inch monitor could be perfect for you. But if you want a larger screen for multitasking, opt for a 34-inch display.
Display Resolution
A high resolution is essential when you’re buying a monitor. It relates to how many pixels the screen displays. When you’re buying a bigger monitor, you want as many pixels as possible. Otherwise, it could look blocky, pixellated, and not as crisp as you’d like.
Imagine this scenario. A monitor has the same number of pixels as a smaller screen. Naturally, the image will look less sharp and detailed on the bigger screen. That’s because each pixel will be larger than on the smaller screen. So, you’ll lose some of the definition and detail.
That’s why a high resolution should be a deciding factor when you’re choosing a monitor. I would recommend at least a 2K resolution, but 4K is even better.
But it’s not just the resolution you should look out for when choosing an monitor. There are some other crucial factors when it comes to the display.
For example, you should look for a nice brightness (measured in nits). You’ll also want wide viewing angles and a good contrast ratio. All these factors will improve the viewing experience and make your work easier.
Refresh Rate
The refresh rate refers to how often the screen updates. A regular refresh rate is around 60 Hz, but you can find monitors with refresh rates of 120 Hz or more.
If you’re a serious gamer, you’ll need a faster refresh rate, so you can respond instantly. A fast refresh rate is also helpful for video editing, graphic design, and other creative work.
But for admin and office work, you might not need anything above the standard refresh rate.
Flicker-Free and Eye Comfort Technology
If you spend hours at your computer every day, you’ll know it can take a toll on your eyes. That’s why it’s so handy if you can find a monitor with Eye Comfort Technology.
Bright blue light and flickering screens can lead to headaches and eye strain. So, look for a monitor with reduced blue light and safety settings for your eyes.
Connectivity
It’s worth finding out what ports the monitor has before buying it. You’ll want to ensure that it’s compatible with your devices. HDMI and display ports are standard features. But make sure you know exactly what it offers and how many ports it has. That’s especially important if you want to connect more than one device to your monitor.
Price
You’ll need a monitor that suits your budget. The most advanced monitors are often very expensive. But you’ll also find some great budget monitors.
So, make sure you know how much you want to spend before shopping around. That will make it easier to narrow down your options and pick the best monitor.
Top 3 Monitors: Quick Comparison
Short on time or just want the product recommendations? Here are the top three monitors (in my opinion). These monitors come out on top for their excellent features, design, and value for money.
The best monitor is the LG 34WN80C-B, thanks to its gorgeous curved design. At 34 inches, it provides a huge display for multitasking in several programs. The resolution is crisp and stunning, and it has a wide color gamut for accuracy. So, you can use this monitor for all sorts of creative tasks and office work.
But the Samsung J791 is a closer runner-up and the best choice for gamers. It has a stunning display with a QHD resolution and a super-fast 100Hz refresh rate. So, it lends itself to serious gaming, video editing, and other demanding tasks.
And if you’re looking for an affordable monitor, check out the 29-inch Philips IPS model. It’s very reasonably priced and suitable if you don’t have space for a 34-inch screen. That makes it more versatile without compromising on any image quality. And it won’t break the bank, so it’s suitable for anyone on a budget.
| Product | Best Monitor Overall: LG 34WN80C-B Monitor | Best Monitor for Gaming: Samsung J791 Monitor | Best Budget Monitor: Philips 29” IPS Monitor |
| Screen Size | 34 inches | 34 inches | 29 inches |
| Resolution | 3440 x 1440 pixels | 3440 x 1440 pixels | 2560 x 1080 pixels |
| Refresh Rate | 60 Hz | 100 Hz | 75 Hz |
| Color Support | 99% sRBG | 125% sRGB | 126% sRGB |
Best Monitors
I’ve picked out these monitors for their excellent specs and displays. But the good news is that they’re not all high-end, premium models. You’ll also find some of the best budget monitors here. So, browse through and take your pick!
LG 34WN80C-B Monitor 34” 21:9 Curved
Best Curved Monitor for Productivity
(Image credit: LG)
A curved monitor might sound crazy, but don’t just scroll by this one!
The curved design is much more immersive, improving your focus and concentration. So, it’s perfect if you’re looking for a monitor for productivity. It helps block out other distractions, allowing you to get more done in less time.
This curved LG monitor is a huge 34 inches and is suitable for all sorts of work. You’ll find it ideal for creative projects, coding, and more.
It has a gorgeous display with a very high resolution of 3440 x 1400 pixels. Plus, it has bright, vibrant colors, thanks to the 99% sRGB color gamut. So, everything from digital art to movies will look amazing on this screen. And its high color accuracy is essential for photographers and graphic designers.
This monitor is HDR 10 compatible and has USB-C ports for easy connectivity.
You can also adjust the stand to the perfect height and tilt. That allows you to create an ergonomic setup so you feel comfortable even for long periods.
Overall, this LG display is one of the best monitors for productivity. It’s hard to beat with its stunning visuals, curved design, and huge size. The only downside is that it’s not designed for gamers, with just a 60Hz refresh rate.
- Screen Size: 34 inches
- Resolution: 3440 x 1400 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 60 Hz
- Color Support: 99% sRGB color gamut
Pros:
- It’s huge at 34 inches – perfect for multitasking
- It has excellent color accuracy and a high resolution
- The curved design aids in concentration and focus
- You can adjust the height and tilt for your comfort
Cons:
- It’s not the best monitor for gamers due to the slower refresh rate
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SAMSUNG J791 Series 34-Inch QHD (3440×1440)
Best Monitor for Gamers
(Image credit: Samsung)
If you’re a serious gamer, the Samsung J791 is one of the best options for you. It has a stunning QHD display and, even better, a super-fast 100Hz refresh rate.
Just like the LG monitor above, this has a curved design and measures 34 inches. So, it’s best suited if you have a large desk and want dazzling image quality. With the QLED display, you get rich, accurate colors and deep blacks.
The curved shape draws you in and helps to hold your attention. And the large size allows you to open as many windows as you like with split-screen technology. So, you can run several programs simultaneously.
That makes it so much easier to customize your workflow. As a result, it’s handy for content creators, programmers, and photo editors.
Samsung has covered all the options when it comes to connecting your devices. This monitor has USB and HDMI ports, so you can connect computers, graphic cards, and hard disk drives. But it also comes with Thunderbolt 3 ports for faster processing and laptop charging.
As you’d expect from such a premium product, this monitor is height-adjustable. It certainly doesn’t come cheap, but it has excellent features and specs. So, it’s well worth the money for the difference it will make to your work environment.
And it looks smart and stylish with its clean white design. So, this monitor will look fantastic on any desk and even in the most minimalist room.
If you’re looking for the best monitor for your home office, the Samsung J791 could be it. But it’s also perfect for avid gamers who want the most immersive experience.
- Screen Size: 34 inches
- Resolution: 3440 x 1440 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 100 Hz
- Color Support:125% sRGB
Pros:
- It has a QHD resolution and excellent color accuracy
- You can adjust the height
- It has Thunderbolt 3 connectivity for super-fast transfers
- The 100Hz refresh rate is perfect for gaming
Cons:
- It’s pretty expensive
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Sceptre 30-inch Curved Gaming Monitor 21:9 2560×1080 Ultra Wide
Best 30-inch Monitor for Gaming & Creative Work
(Image credit: Sceptre)
This Sceptre 30-inch monitor is a good size, especially if you don’t have space for a bigger monitor. This monitor is just 7.28 inches deep, so it can easily fit on most desks. And you also have the option to wall-mount it for versatility.
It’s also much more affordable than the LG and Samsung 34-inch monitors. So, it’s a great choice if you have a tighter budget.
But despite the lower price, it provides everything you need. The curved design and thin bezels look amazing and maximize the screen space.
And that’s before I mention the incredible refresh rate. This monitor can reach up to 200 Hz, which is by far the best on this list. So, it’s a real bonus for gamers and anyone who wants a flawless viewing experience.
It has an FHD resolution and max brightness of 2500 nits, so the visuals are incredible. And while it doesn’t have such a high color gamut, it’s still pretty accurate at 90% sRGB.
Its slim, curved design and excellent screen make the Sceptre one of the best wide monitors. And its low price provides superb value for money. This monitor is evidence you don’t need to spend loads for a decent monitor.
- Screen Size: 30 inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1080 pixels
- Refresh Rate: Up to 120/200 Hz
- Color Support: 90% sRGB
Pros:
- This 30-inch monitor is very reasonably priced
- It’s ideal for anyone on a budget
- The smaller size and slim design is more practical and will fit on most desks
- It has an FHD resolution and up to 200Hz refresh rate
- Perfect for gamers and creatives
Cons:
- The resolution isn’t as high as others on this list
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Philips Computer 29″ Frameless IPS Monitor,
Best Budget Monitor
(Image credit: Philips)
This monitor ticks all the right boxes for productivity and a flawless experience. And that’s all at a very low cost.
But don’t let the budget price fool you. This monitor is well worth your consideration.
At 29 inches, this monitor is a practical size that’s not too big or too small. It won’t take up as much space as a 34-inch monitor, which is handy if you have a smaller workspace. But it still allows you to have a split-screen display and run programs next to each other.
It has a high resolution and faster refresh rate of 75Hz. So, this monitor is suitable for all uses, from video editing to gaming and creative work.
And with its wide color gamut, images and videos look stunning on this screen. As you’d expect, it’s also height-adjustable and VESA-compliant.
So, at this price, this Philips 29-inch monitor is a real bargain. And that makes it the best budget monitor around!
- Screen Size: 29 inches
- Resolution: 2560 x 1080 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 75 Hz
- Color Support: 126% sRGB
Pros:
- This monitor is very affordable
- Visuals look crisp and sharp
- It has fantastic color support
- The size is practical – not too big or too small
Cons:
- The resolution isn’t as high as the premium 4K monitors
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AOC CU34G2X 34″ Curved Frameless Immersive Gaming Monitor
Best Affordable Monitor
(Image credit: AOC)
If you’re looking for a 34-inch monitor on a budget, check this one out. It has the same smart curved design at a much cheaper price.
Plus, you also get an incredible 3440 x 1400 resolution. That makes it just as well suited for creative work as for watching movies.
And with a 144-Hz refresh rate, it’s hard to beat this monitor. It also has Adaptive-Sync technology for an even more seamless gaming experience.
Despite the lower price, this monitor compares well against much more expensive screens. And it’s backed up by an excellent 3-year warranty against any dead pixels. It also comes with a 1-year warranty covering you for any accidental damage.
This monitor provides exceptional visuals and almost no lag at all. So, it’s a great choice for anyone. But its budget price makes it one of the best options for value for money overall.
- Screen Size: 34 inches
- Resolution: 3440 x 1400 pixels
- Refresh Rate: 144 Hz
- Color Support: 115% sRGB
Pros:
- A super budget option that’s suitable for anyone
- It has an immersive 34-inch curved design
- The visuals are exceptional
- It has a high resolution and excellent color support
Cons:
- You might need to adjust the settings for the best brightness and contrast
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Ultrawide Monitor FAQ
Is a large monitor worth it?
An large monitor is well worth the cost as it can boost your productivity. You’ll find it easier to concentrate and get more done with a wider screen. And you won’t need to buy a second monitor. There are also some great budget monitors – check my reviews above!
Are monitors good for multitasking?
A monitor could be the perfect solution for multitasking. It’s like having a dual monitor setup, allowing you to run several windows simultaneously. So, you can boost your productivity and streamline your workflow.
Are gaming monitors good for office work?
Gaming monitors can be good options for office work. They provide all the features you need (and more). You won’t necessarily need the fast refresh rate, but the high resolution is always a bonus. So, it all depends on your budget and what you need from your monitor.
The Wrap Up
A monitor is an essential tool if you spend hours working on your computer. It will help you finish more in less time and create an amazing visual experience. So, it’s especially suited to creative work, programming, and editing. But you’ll find an large monitor useful for gaming and regular office work, too.
These monitors were carefully chosen for their features. They provide everything you need from a monitor, and there’s something for every budget. Let me know which one you choose below!
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